Havana Commemorates its 506th Anniversary with Traditional Walk Around the Ceiba Tree

The Cuban capital commemorated the 506th anniversary of the founding of the former village of San Cristóbal de la Habana on the night of November 15. Thousands of people gathered to participate in the traditional walk around the ceiba tree at El Templete, an emotional event that revived the history and profound symbolism safeguarded by the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The emblematic building of El Templete, located beside the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the Historic Center, became the epicenter of the celebration. The site received thousands of Havanans, foreign visitors, and history admirers who took part in the annual ritual, honoring the city's birth and the cultural legacy that made it a benchmark in the Caribbean.

The climax of the night was the address by renowned Cuban intellectual and artist, poet Nancy Morejón, National Prize for Literature winner in 2001, who delivered the commemorative words for the momentous date. Following her speech, an artistic gala adorned the eve of the anniversary and celebrated the city's identity.

El Templete is recognized as one of the central symbols of the Historic Center, an area designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Its historical importance dates back to 1519 when, according to tradition, the first mass was officiated under a pre-existing ceiba tree on the same spot.

Although the current building was constructed in the 19th century and the tree has been replaced, the tradition remains alive. For this reason, this past November 15, El Templete once again became the site from which a new anniversary of the city's founding was anticipated and celebrated with broad popular participation.

Continuing Celebrations and a Campaign of "Fidelity and Loyalty"

The tribute program for this Sunday invited the population to enjoy a cultural agenda including exhibitions, music, conferences, workshops, and other proposals directed especially at older adults, seeking to integrate all generations in the commemoration of Havana's identity.

This year's promotional campaign, titled "Fidelity and Loyalty," paid an emotional tribute to two crucial figures in Havana's recent history: Fidel Castro and Eusebio Leal. The Director of Communication for the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH), Magda Resik, had previously stated that the work of the OHCH in the revolutionary period cannot be understood without the endearing friendship and cooperation that existed between the two.